Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, has made his first official visit to North Korea to commemorate former Soviet soldiers and strengthen bilateral friendship amid Western scrutiny of the expanding influence of Russia's allied countries and ongoing human rights criticisms.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Pyongyang to begin his first official visit to North Korea, where he was warmly welcomed by North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un at Kim Il Sung Square on 25 March 2024 GMT+7.
During the visit, Lukashenko went to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to pay respects to the bodies of former North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, laying a floral tribute on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders also jointly laid a wreath at the Liberation Monument to honor Soviet soldiers who died freeing Korea from Japanese rule in 1945.
This meeting highlights the strengthening ties among countries supporting Russia in the Ukraine war. North Korea has reportedly sent troops, weapons, missiles, and artillery to Russia, especially in the Kursk region, while Belarus allowed Russia to use its territory as a strategic base to launch the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Analysts believe this bilateral support helps North Korea reduce dependence on China in exchange for financial aid, military technology, food, and energy from Russia, following Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang in 2024 GMT+7.
Despite these ties, both countries face heavy Western sanctions over human rights abuses. North Korea is accused of severe violations including torture and forced labor, while Lukashenko has been criticized for suppressing political dissent since the 2020 election. Although Belarus has recently released over 250 political prisoners under U.S. pressure, many detainees remain imprisoned.
,AFP